John Barrasso

01/20/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/20/2025 19:23

Barrasso Statement on Senate Passage of the Laken Riley Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today issued the following statement on the passage of S.5, the Laken Riley Act, a bill that requires the federal detention and deportation of illegal immigrants who commit certain criminal offenses:


"The passage of the Laken Riley Act with strong bipartisan support marks a critical first step in securing the border and making America safer. I'm glad it is the first bill we are sending to President Trump's desk.


"The Laken Riley Act will save lives and protect American citizens from illegal immigrant criminals. This bill was further strengthened with amendments from Senator John Cornyn and Senator Joni Ernst.


"More must be done to fix our broken border. With President Trump in the White House, we will continue to work for the safety and security of all Americans."


Background:
The Senate amended the Laken Riley Act with amendments from Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA). The Cornyn amendment requires detaining illegal immigrants who attack law enforcement officers. The Ernst amendment - also known as Sarah's Law - requires detaining illegal immigrants who commit murder or cause serious bodily injury.
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